Malik's Ocean Adventure

    By Jane Herrington

    Malik's Ocean Adventure cover image

    14 May, 2024

    two children running on the beach near the ocean with palm trees in the background and a bird flying overhead, afrofuturism, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, comic cover art

    Malik had always lived in a crowded city. So, when he got the opportunity to visit a tropical island, he was beyond excited. He couldn't wait to explore the ocean and its amazing creatures.

    a boy running on a beach with palm trees in the background and a blue sky with clouds in the background, photorealism, a comic book panel, Cliff Childs, comic cover art

    As Malik stepped onto the soft sandy beach, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. He eagerly ran towards the ocean, his heart pounding with anticipation.

    a boy diving in the ocean with a scuba suit on and a life jacket on, with a fish and corals in the background, afrofuturism, a storybook illustration, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    Malik put on his snorkeling gear and plunged into the ocean. He was greeted by a friendly sea turtle. He looked into its gentle eyes and felt a connection.

    a boy is standing in the water with a backpack on and a turtle in the background with a sunbeam, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, rossdraws global illumination

    As he swam further, he discovered a beautiful coral reef. The sight of the vibrant colors and diverse marine life left him in awe. His heart filled with joy at the sheer beauty of it.

    a boy standing in a cave with dolphins swimming around him and a light shining down on him from above, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, comic cover art

    Malik noticed a hidden cave. As he approached it, he saw a playful dolphin swimming out of it. The dolphin seemed to invite him in with its friendly clicks.

    a boy is walking through a cave with a dolphin and a dolphin in it's mouth and a fish in his mouth, rayonism, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, comic cover art

    With the dolphin leading the way, Malik entered the cave. It was a whole new world, filled with creatures he had never seen before. It was a surreal experience.

    a boy standing on a beach next to a dolphin and a dolphin swimming in the ocean with a pink sky, afrofuturism, a storybook illustration, Everett Warner, comic cover art

    After exploring the cave, Malik and the dolphin surfaced. The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Malik felt a sense of peace.

    a boy standing on a beach next to a dolphin and a dolphin swimming in the ocean at sunset with bubbles floating in the air, afrofuturism, a comic book panel, Chris LaBrooy, comic cover art

    He thanked the dolphin for the incredible adventure and said goodbye. He watched as it disappeared into the ocean, leaving behind a trail of bubbles.

    a boy sitting on the beach watching the stars in the sky above the ocean and the ocean below him, space art, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, yukito kishiro

    Malik returned to the beach. He sat on the sand, watching the stars twinkle in the clear night sky. He felt a deep connection with the ocean and its creatures.

    a boy and a boy standing on a beach under a full moon and stars filled sky with stars and a star filled sky, afrofuturism, poster art, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    He made a promise to himself that he would do everything in his power to protect the ocean and its amazing animals. He fell asleep under the starlit sky, dreaming about his next adventure.

    a boy walking down a street with a dog on a leash in front of him and a cityscape in the background, afrofuturism, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    Back in the city, Malik often thought about his ocean adventure. He missed the peacefulness of the ocean and the friendliness of its creatures.

    a man walking down a street with a backpack on his back and a backpack on his shoulder, in front of a busy city street, harlem renaissance, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    But he knew he had a responsibility. He started educating people about the importance of protecting the ocean. His adventure had taught him a valuable lesson, and he was eager to share it with others.